Exhibits an impressive first step for his size, gets up to speed quickly and really seems to surprise defenders at the second level with his ability to run. Isn't a burner by any strength, but showcases better speed at the second level than given credit for. Exhibits good balance with the ability to stick his foot in the ground, square his shoulders quickly and attack up field.
Displays nimble feet in tight areas and has the ability to side step defenders and fight for tough yards inside. But, doesn't possesses the kind of shiftiness to simply make a man miss if someone breaks down on him in behind the line. Nevertheless, he loves to use his powerful stiff arm once he gets into the open field and makes it really tough for defenders to get into his body.
However, as impressive physically as he is, isn't the more instinctive of runners between the line of scrimmage. Too often is slow to decipher information, slows his feet and isn't as consistently picking his way through traffic as you would like. Has a tendency to bounce too many play outside prematurely.
Has some real toughness to his game, lined up as a full back as a freshman and looked like promising lead blocker. Isn't real comfortable in the pass game at this stage and hasn't been much of a factor catching the ball out of the backfield. However, he has the size, power and coordination to certainly hold his own in blitz pick-up situations at the next level.
Impression: Physically the guy as all the tools to be a starter in the league. However, until he becomes a more instinctive and natural runner inside, he's never going to be anything more than a number two guy, which is the main reason why he didn't win the starting role as USC in 2010."
Negatives: Only marginal top-end speed. Might not be able to consistently beat NFL linebackers to the edge. Gets himself in trouble when he runs high, exposing himself (and the ball) to big hits. Has to do a better job of keeping his hands inside the pads of defenders when blocking in pass protection. Appears to have only average hands for the reception. Only caught four pass in over the past two seasons (for 76 yards) and has only 14 receptions over his career (176 yards, four touchdowns)."
Positive: Bruising interior ball carrier with solid size/speed numbers. Displays good vision, runs with an aggressive style, and rarely brought down by the first defender. Finds the hole, quickly turns it North/South, and shows a lot of power in his running. Works blocks when necessary.
Negative: Straight line runner who loses momentum when he must change direction. Possesses minimal quickness and burst . Tries too hard to make defenders miss at times.
Analysis: Bradford is a relatively athletic prospect who shows a terrific amount of strength carrying the ball. He's a bit one-dimensional but could be a solid rotational player in a power running offense."
Negatives: Not creative in open space, looks to lower his head and take on defenders rather than breaking the long run... Struggles to change direction, gears down when cutting in the secondary... Is not a receiving threat, doesn't have good hands and is very inexperienced in the passing game, only had 14 career receptions while at USC... Redshirted in 2008 due to a hip injury... Underachiever throughout his career at USC, was a five star recruit coming out of high school and never produced up to his abilities... Was overshadowed by teammates for most of his career."
Weaknesses: Played in a rotation at USC. Doesn't catch the ball out of the backfield much. Role player. Will have to continue to improve his blocking for the next level."
Bradford came to USC as a safety, but moved to running back during the fall of his freshman campaign. On a team that had a lot of talent in the backfield, Bradford found it difficult to find playing time. On the year he rushed just 13 times for 42 yards. The following season he ran just 15 times for 24 yards. By 2008 Bradford was starting to move up the depth chart, but injuries cut short his season. Bradford did get another shot at his junior year and he carried the ball 115 times for 668 yards and eight touchdowns.
Partially due to a hip injury and partially due to being in new coach Lane Kiffin's doghouse, Bradford did not come out of the gates very strong in 2010. In 11 contests he ended up rushing for 794 yards on 110 carries and five scores, but a lot of that production came in the last game against UCLA. Bradford is a tough rusher who has some explosiveness. He can bust a big play any time he catches the ball, but his lack of collegiate production will keep him in the later rounds of the draft."
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Allen Bradford is truly an High Grade Hard Yard Masher. He runs with Authority and Vision.
He's projected to be a Late Rounder. I honestly don't know why. He fumbles too often, which is correctable, and he doesn't have dazzling "40" time...But he commands great initial Burst, Brutal Brute Power, and surprising Lateral Velocity + Acceleration. His Processing Speed is poor, which is a major Red Flag in my book, but if he can train through that, the overall package he brings could be demolishing.
He's not a very good Receiver, but he is a devastating Blocker.
In my efforts to organize RB's by their strengths, I've invented the terms "Smashers", "Slashers", + "Thrashers" as what I hope will be easy references, respectively, to Power Backs, 3rd Down Backs, and Hybrids.
Allen Bradford is clearly a Smasher.
This guy could be a flat out THEFT.
Super Sleeper!!
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